In this blog, we’ll compare Clover POS and Revel System, two prominent POS industry players.
We’ll dissect Clover and Revel’s strengths and weaknesses, revealing their best-fit applications across various business landscapes.
From pricing structures and hardware compatibility to feature sets and ease of use, we’ll conduct a thorough analysis to empower your decision-making process.
Whether you’re a boutique owner prioritizing seamless transactions, a cafe manager aiming for efficient order processing, or a multi-location retailer in need of robust reporting capabilities, this guide will highlight the critical factors to consider when weighing Clover POS against Revel System.
By the end of this exploration, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of which POS solution best meets your unique requirements.
Clover vs. Revel: A Quick Glance
This comparison will help you understand how these systems stack up against each other in terms of the industries they serve, key features, pros and cons, user ratings, and availability of free trials.
The chart below offers an overview of how Clover and Revel compare:
Category | Clover POS | Revel |
Industries | Retail, Restaurants, Service-based businesses | Restaurants, Retail, Quick-service restaurants, Bars |
Key Features | Payment processing, mobile payments, online ordering, loyalty programs, inventory management, app marketplace with 300+ integrations | Payment processing, inventory management, CRM, menu management, multi-location management, 20+ third-party integrations |
Pros | Easy to use, scalable hardware, extensive app integrations, robust reporting | Good for small to medium operations, comprehensive integrations, |
Cons | Expensive hardware, some integration issues, mixed reviews on multi-location management | Lack of integration options, confusing setup, high cost, poor customer reviews according to some users |
Free trial | ||
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Clover vs. Revel POS: Category Comparisons
In this detailed comparison, we will go through the core features, pricing models, integrations, and user experiences of Clover and Revel, providing you with a comprehensive analysis to aid in your selection process.
Industries Served
Clover and Revel cater to different business types and offer unique POS features. Below is a detailed comparison of the verticals each system covers, highlighting its suitability for various industries.
Clover Verticals
Clover POS is a POS software that caters to a wide range of industries and businesses. Here’s a detailed overview of the types of businesses that Clover POS serves:
- Retail Stores: Clover POS is well-suited for various retail businesses, including clothing stores, electronics shops, jewelry stores, gift shops, and more. It offers features such as inventory management, customer tracking, sales reporting, and integrated payment processing.
- Restaurants and Food Service: Clover POS is a popular choice for restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and other food service establishments. It provides specialized features like table management, order management, menu management, and support for split checks, tips, and more.
- Service Businesses: Clover POS caters to service-based businesses, such as hair salons, spas, auto repair shops, and professional services. It includes features like appointment scheduling, customer management, and integrated payment processing.
Revel Verticals
Revel Systems and business management platform cater to two main verticals: restaurants and some specialty retail businesses.
- Restaurants and Food Service: Revel Systems is particularly well-suited for restaurants, which benefit from its order management, kitchen display systems, and integrated online ordering. The system is ideal for cafes, bars, food trucks, and other food service establishments. It offers robust features for menu management, order taking, table management, inventory control, and integrated payment processing. Revel is particularly popular among quick-service, fast-casual, and full-service restaurants.
- Retail Stores: Revel System is also widely used by various retail businesses, including clothing stores, specialty shops, grocery stores, and more. It provides features for inventory management, customer tracking, sales reporting, and seamless payment processing.
POS Features
 |  | |
Ease of Use | User-friendly, intuitive interface | User-friendly but slightly more complex |
Hardware | Proprietary (Clover Station, Mini, Flex) | iPad-based |
Third-Party Integrations | 300+ apps | Extensive but fewer than Clover |
Loyalty Programs | Loyalty Programs | Loyalty Programs |
Processing Services | Lightspeed Processing / Third-party for a fee | Square Processing only |
In-Person Processing Fees | 2.3% + 10¢ - 2.6% + 10¢ | Quote-based |
Online Processing Fees | 3.5% + 10¢ | Quote-based |
Reporting and Analytics | Available | Available |
Multi-Location Management | Yes | Yes |
Mobile POS | Yes, via Clover Flex | Yes, iPad-based |
Employee Management | Scheduling, time tracking | Scheduling, time tracking |
Pricing | Monthly fees, processing fees, requires consultation | Higher cost, requires consultation |
Offline Functionality | Yes | Yes |
Key Feature Differences
- Integration and customization: Clover offers over 300 integrations, making it highly versatile and easy to customize with third-party apps. Revel, while also robust in this area, has fewer integrations compared to Clover.
- Hardware: Clover provides proprietary hardware, whereas Revel uses iPads, which can be beneficial for businesses preferring Apple devices.
- Multi-location management: Both systems support multi-store management, but Revel’s enterprise features are more extensive and suitable for larger operations and franchises.
- Cost: Clover’s pricing can include hidden fees and typically requires interaction with a sales representative to get a detailed quote. Revel, on the other hand, tends to be more expensive overall and also requires consultation for pricing.
Pricing, Fees, Contracts
When comparing these platforms, factors such as pricing, fees, and contract terms play significant roles in business owners’ decision-making processes. Let’s delve into a comparative analysis of Clover and Revel in terms of pricing, fees, and contracts.
Clover POS
Clover POS charges transaction fees based on two components: a percentage of the transaction amount and a flat fee per transaction. The exact rates depend on the specific plan you choose, but here’s a breakdown:
Software Plans
Retail Pricing
Monthly Cost
$349/mo or bundled at $16/mo for 36 months with hardware. Starting at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions, 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions; Compact terminal system with 3.6″ screen
Best For
Small retail shops with minimal inventory needs
Key Features
• Basic payment acceptance
• Sales tracking
• Limited access to App Market
Monthly Cost
$1,899 + $84.95/mo or $180/mo bundled with hardware for 36 months;
Best For
Growing restaurants that need more substantial management capabilities
Key Features
• Enhanced inventory management, Station Duo – 14″ merchant-facing POS with 8″ customer screen
• item or order-level discounts
• real-time sales tracking
Monthly Cost
$2,648 + $104.90/mo or $240/mo bundled with hardware for 36 months; Starting at 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Large retail with complex inventory and reporting needs
Key Features
• Advanced reporting
•Weight scale integration
• Station Duo +; 14″ and 8″ countertop displays
• Unlimited launch and consultation services
Full-Service Dining
Monthly Cost
$1,799 + $89.95 or $179/month for 36 months with hardware. Starting at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions; Compact terminal system with 3.6″ screen
Best For
Small retail shops with minimal inventory needs
Key Features
• Online ordering
• Order management
• Limited access to App Market
Monthly Cost
$2,548 + $109.90/mo or $239/month for 36 months with hardware; Station Duo – 14″ merchant-facing POS with 8″ customer screen
Best For
Growing restaurants that need more substantial management capabilities
Key Features
• Flex – Handheld POS with an 8-hour battery life and built-in receipt printer
• Table mapping, bill splitting, pick-up, and delivery order types
• Employee management
Monthly Cost
$4,447 + $129.85/mo or $354/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Large or multi-location restaurants
Key Features
•multi-location support
•Advanced POS analytics
•custom integrations
Quick-Service Dining
Monthly Cost
$849+ $89.95/mo or bundled at $135/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions;
Best For
Cafes, food trucks, or bakeries
Key Features
• Quick order processing
• Online ordering
• Basic inventory
Monthly Cost
$1,899 + $89.95/mo or $185/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Growing quick-service businesses
Key Features
• Order modifiers
• Employee scheduling
• Customer loyalty
Monthly Cost
$2,648 + $109.90/mo or $245/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
High-volume quick-service restaurants
Key Features
• Kitchen printer integration
• Advanced POS analytics and customer insights
•Weight scale integration
Professional Services
Monthly Cost
$0+ $29.95/mo; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions;
Best For
Freelancers or mobile businesses with minimal hardware needs
Key Features
• Virtual terminal
• Optional Clover Go ($49) or use the existing device with the Clover app
• Basic reporting
Monthly Cost
$749+ $84.95/mo or bundled at $125/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.3% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Salons, gyms, or contractors needing scheduling tools
Key Features
• Appointment scheduling
• inventory tracking
• Clover Mini
Monthly Cost
$1,799 + $84.95/mo or $174/month for 36 months with hardware; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions;
Best For
Larger service businesses with complex operations
Key Features
• Station Duo
• Advanced client management
• Multi-device support
Home/Field Services
Monthly Cost
$0+ $29.95/mo, 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Freelancers or mobile businesses with minimal hardware needs
Key Features
• Virtual terminal
• Optional Clover Go ($49) or use the existing device with the Clover app
• Basic reporting
Monthly Cost
$199+ $29.95/mo; Starting at 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Salons, gyms, or contractors needing scheduling tools
Key Features
• Appointment scheduling
• Go-Phone paired mobile card reader
• App Market Access
Monthly Cost
$749+ $84.95/mo or $125/month for 36 months with hardware; Starting at 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions.
Best For
Larger service businesses with complex operations
Key Features
• Advanced client management
•Flex – Handheld POS
• Multi-device support
Personal Services
Monthly Cost
$349 or $16/mo for 36 months; 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Freelancers or mobile businesses with minimal hardware needs
Key Features
• Virtual terminal
• Optional Clover Go ($49) or use the existing device with the Clover app
• PayPal and Venmo
Monthly Cost
$849+ $84.95/mo or bundled at $130/month for 36 months with hardware; 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Salons, gyms, or contractors needing scheduling tools
Key Features
• Appointment scheduling
• App Market access
• Clover Mini
Monthly Cost
$1,899 + $84.95/mo or $180/month for 36 months with hardware; 2.5% + $0.10 for in-person transactions; 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Best For
Larger service businesses with complex operations
Key Features
• Station Duo
•Advanced client management
• multi-device support
Clover POS Credit Card Processing Fees
- Card-present transactions: These are swiped or tapped purchases. Rates typically range from 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction (Standard plan) to 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction (Starter plan).
- Keyed-in transactions: These are manually entered transactions without swiping a card. The flat fee remains the same ($0.10), but the percentage increases to 3.5% for all plans.
- Rapid Deposit: An additional 1.75% of the transaction for instant fund access (optional)
Additional Costs
- App Market Add-Ons: Many apps (e.g., QuickBooks integration) have separate fees, ranging from free to $20+/month.
- Contracts: Most plans require a 36-month commitment. Early termination fees apply, calculated based on the remaining contract value.
Key Considerations
- No Free Plan: Unlike Square, Clover doesn’t offer a free tier for full POS features, though the $14.95 virtual terminal plan is low-cost for basic needs.
- Proprietary Hardware: You must use Clover’s hardware, which increases upfront costs compared to systems like Square or Shopify or KORONA POS.
- Industry-Specific Features: Plans are tailored (e.g., table mapping for restaurants, appointment scheduling for services), so choose based on your business type.
- Third-Party Vendors: Buying from resellers may lower hardware costs but involve higher processing fees or more extended contracts. Clover is almost exclusively sold through third-party vendors, so always compare terms and get different quotes.
- Transparency: Clover’s website discloses pricing upfront, but total costs depend on hardware, add-ons, and transaction volume.
- Free trial: A 90-day free trial is available.
- Contract: Clover requires a 3-year agreement.Activation Requirements: Submit at least $25 in sales within 30 days of account approval; Process $10,000 or more in card transactions within the first four billing cycles.
Revel System POS Pricing
- Starting costs: The base cost is $99 per month for each terminal you use. This includes features like tracking inventory, managing employees, connecting with customers, and analyzing reports.
- Commitment terms: You have to commit to a three-year contract and buy at least two terminals, which can really add up the expenses.
- Transaction charges: You’ll have to pay extra for processing fees when you accept credit cards. These fees are separate and can include charges for each transaction and a monthly statement fee.
- Device expenses: Since Revel POS uses iPads as terminals, you’ll also need to buy iPads in addition to paying for the software.
- Onboarding charges: If you want help getting started, there are optional services like onboarding and training, which start at $674. These can include setting up hardware, installing software, and getting advice.
- Budget and long-term implications: Overall, Revel POS might not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget, especially for small businesses. The three-year contract locks you in for a long time, and even though it’s advertised as $99 per month, the real cost can be much higher when you factor in everything.
Hardware
Clover POS Hardware
Clover’s proprietary hardware is required for in-person payments. It’s considered one You can pay upfront or opt for a payment plan (typically 36 months). Key options of Clover’s hardware include:
Clover Go: $199 (mobile card reader for swipe, dip, tap)
Clover Flex: $749 or $40/mo (handheld POS with receipt printer, scanner)
Clover Mini: $849 or $45/mo (compact countertop POS with an 8-inch touchscreen)
Clover Station Solo: $1,799 or $174/mo (14-inch touchscreen, cash drawer, printer)
Clover Station Duo: $1,899 or $180/mo (adds 8-inch customer-facing screen)
Clover Flex Pocket: $699 or $35/mo (handheld POS device made of durable plastic and a touchscreen interface)
Clover Kiosk: $3,499 + $34.95/mo per device (24″ touchscreen with anti-glare glass, built-in printer)
Clover Kitchen Display System: Available in 14″ and 24.” KDS 24” is $899 + $25/mo per device; KDS 14” is $799 + $25/mo per device
Both Clover and Revel offer a range of hardware options designed to suit various business needs, from countertop terminals to mobile devices.
Revel System POS Hardware
Revel Systems Hardware includes a range of devices tailored to meet the needs of different types of businesses. Here are some key aspects of Revel Systems Hardware:
- iPad-Based POS Terminal: Revel Systems utilizes iPads as the primary interface for its POS system. Businesses can use iPads as their central POS terminal, which runs the Revel POS software. These iPads serve as the main point of interaction for cashiers and customers during transactions.
- Payment Terminals: Revel Systems integrates with various payment processors and offers compatible payment terminals. These terminals enable businesses to accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Receipt Printers: Revel Systems offers receipt printers compatible with their POS software. These printers can be configured to print receipts for transactions, order confirmations, or other relevant information.
- Kitchen Display Systems (KDS): In restaurant and hospitality settings, Revel Systems provides KDS that streamlines communication between the kitchen staff and the front-of-house team. KDS displays incoming orders in real time, improving order accuracy and kitchen efficiency.
- Barcode Scanners: Revel Systems offers barcode scanners to expedite retail businesses’ checkout processes.
- Cash Drawers: Revel Systems supports various models of cash drawers that integrate seamlessly with their POS software. Cash drawers are essential for cash transactions, providing a secure location to store cash and coins during business operations.
- Customer Display Screens: To enhance the customer experience, Revel Systems offers customer-facing display screens that show order details, pricing information, and promotional messages. These screens keep customers informed throughout the transaction process and can help reduce errors and misunderstandings.
- Mobile POS Devices: In addition to stationary POS terminals, Revel Systems provides mobile POS devices such as handheld tablets or smartphones. These mobile devices allow businesses to process transactions from anywhere within their establishment, providing flexibility and convenience.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
Both Clover and Revel are POS systems, but they cater to slightly different user experiences and support needs. Here’s a breakdown:
Ease of Use: Clover vs. Revel Systems
Clover takes the crown for ease of use. It’s known for its intuitive interface and smooth learning curve. Thanks to the straightforward design and minimal setup required, even new employees can pick it up quickly. Clover utilizes a familiar tablet interface, similar to what most people are accustomed to using. Revel Systems, while not overly complex, requires a bit more investment in upfront training compared to Clover.
Customer Support: Clover vs. Revel Systems
Both Clover and Revel Systems offer robust customer support options. Here’s how they compare:
- Clover: Clover offers email support, online chat, and 24/7 phone support. You can call Clover’s support team Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST (not including holidays). They also offer support on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.
- Revel Systems: Revel Systems offers phone and email support, but its hours may be more limited than Clover’s 24/7 availability.
Clover POS vs. Revel System: Strengths and Weaknesses
When deciding between Clover and Revel as their POS system provider, businesses often weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each platform to make an informed decision. Let’s compare the strengths and weaknesses of Clover and Revel.
Clover Strengths:
- Easy to use: Clover POS is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for staff to learn and use quickly.
- Customizability: Clover offers a variety of hardware options (such as Clover Station, Clover Mini, and Clover Flex) and a wide range of apps and integrations to tailor the system to specific business needs.
- Robust App Market: The Clover App Market allows users to extend the system’s functionality with numerous third-party applications.
- All-in-One Solution: Clover provides an integrated solution that includes hardware, software, and payment processing, simplifying the setup and management process.
Clover Weaknesses:
Here are some of the potential drawbacks of Clover POS based on the Clover POS reviews provided by some Clover POS users:
- Unexpected charges and hidden fees: Users reported being surprised by additional charges and App Store fees that they weren’t informed about upfront. Some reviews mentioned the pricing being a complete scam, with Clover raising the price to maintain access to certain apps.
- Integration difficulties: One user specifically mentioned difficulty integrating online booking and salon management software with Clover POS. This could be a problem for businesses that rely on these features.
- Dependency on First Data: Clover POS is tied to First Data (now Fiserv) for payment processing, which can limit flexibility in choosing payment processors.
- Poor customer service: Multiple reviewers mentioned unhelpful and frustrating experiences with Clover POS customer service. They cited issues such as long wait times, representatives with broken English, and an inability to resolve problems.
- Unfair credit card processing fees: Some users felt that the fees Clover POS charged their customers for using credit cards were unfair. This could potentially damage customer relationships.
- Unclear and unexpected billing: Users reported issues with Clover POS billing, including charges appearing outside the agreed-upon schedule and difficulty getting explanations or resolving disputes with customer service. Some have even experienced downtime and processing disruptions during a CloverPos outage, further impacting their operations.
- Reporting Capabilities: While adequate for many small businesses, the reporting features may not be as comprehensive or advanced as some other POS systems, which can be a drawback for larger businesses with more complex needs.
Also see our Clover vs Square POS comparison.
Revel Strengths:
- Advanced features: Revel offers robust features suitable for both small businesses and larger enterprises, including detailed inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer relationship management (CRM).
- Customization and scalability: Revel is highly customizable and scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of business types, from small cafes to large retail chains.
- Offline functionality: Revel provides strong offline capabilities, allowing businesses to continue processing sales even when the internet is down.
- Comprehensive reporting: Revel offers advanced reporting and analytics, giving businesses deeper insights into their operations and performance.
- Open API: Revel’s open API allows for extensive customization and integration with other business systems and applications.
See a more comprehensive list in our full Revel POS system review.
Revel Weaknesses:
- Complexity and learning curve: Due to its advanced features and extensive customization options, Revel can be more complex and harder to learn and set up compared to simpler systems like Clover.
- Cost: Revel can be expensive, with high upfront costs and monthly fees, making it less accessible for very small businesses or startups.
- Customer support: Some users have reported that Revel’s customer support can be slow to respond or less effective, which can be a significant drawback for businesses that need quick resolutions.
- Hardware restrictions: While more flexible than Clover, Revel still has specific hardware requirements, which can limit flexibility and increase costs.
Alternatives to Clover and Revel: KORONA POS
KORONA POS is a notable alternative to Clover POS and Revel Systems. It offers a range of features suitable for various business types, including retail stores (liquor stores, vape shops, convenience stores, CBD, etc), quick-service restaurants, and other ticketing-based establishments.
Its key features include inventory management software, sales reporting, employee management, and, most importantly, its flexible POS merchant services abilities.
KORONA POS can integrate with any major payment processing solution, which gives more flexibility. Click below to get a demo with one of our product specialists and see how KORONA works.
